Difficulties ahead to revive China's 'Rust Belt'

A recent policy document issued by the State Council, China's Cabinet, says "old industrial bases", meaning Northeast China, will make significant progress in the key areas of reform by 2020 and, revive by 2030.

The document says the northeast region's opening-up, which includes expanded and all-directional opening-up to advance reforms, will become a new driving force for its revitalization.

From 2003 to 2013, China launched the first campaign for the region's revitalization. As a result, significant and historical changes were achieved in infrastructure construction and the development of heavy chemical industries thanks to the support of the central government, as reflected in its growing economic strength, a better economic environment and a tangible rise in its economic aggregate.